by constantly monitor-
ing the circuit for fluc-
tuations or changes. If
there's an issue, such
as insulation failure or
capacitive coupling,
the device is immedi-
ately shut down. One
study
(osmag.net/2PzGuX)
found that AEM totally eliminated stray currents caused by insulation
failure and capacitive coupling.
No smoking
Where there's electrosurgery, there's smoke. That's unavoidable. But
as surgical staff become increasingly aware of the hazards related to
smoke, one challenge is to create smoke-evacuation tools that sur-
geons feel comfortable using. That's led one company to offer a pencil
that provides a variety of ways to position tubing — the goal being to
accommodate as many surgeons as possible by enabling the 3 most
common grips. An alternative, and my preference, is a unique type of
insufflation system now on the market that automatically evacuates
smoke while it insufflates the abdominal cavity. It works so well that
it can obviate the need for any additional smoke evacuation devices.
OSM
1 2 3
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 | O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
z SMOKE SCREEN As practitioners become increasingly concerned about the hazards of surgical
smoke, manufacturers are creating evacuation devices that feel comfortable in the hands of surgeons.
Dr. Advincula (aa3530@columbia.edu) is vice-chair of women's health in the Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center and chief of gynecology at the Sloane Hospital
for Women at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center.
